Gulfport-Biloxi metropolitan area facts for kids
The Gulfport-Biloxi Metropolitan Statistical Area is a special kind of area in the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Think of it as a group of cities and towns that are closely connected, even if they are in different counties. This area includes three counties: Hancock, Harrison, and Stone.
In the year 2000, about 246,190 people lived here. However, a very strong storm called Hurricane Katrina hit the area in 2005. This hurricane caused a lot of damage and changed the population. By July 1, 2006, the population was estimated to be around 227,904. Before the hurricane, the number of people living in this area was growing steadily. The Gulfport-Biloxi area is also part of an even bigger region called the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula Combined Statistical Area.
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What is the Gulfport-Biloxi Metro Area?
A "Metropolitan Statistical Area" (MSA) is a way that the United States government groups together cities and their nearby communities. These areas are connected because many people live, work, and shop across the different towns within them. The Gulfport-Biloxi MSA is centered around the cities of Gulfport and Biloxi, which are important centers for business and tourism on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Where is the Gulfport-Biloxi Area Located?
The Gulfport-Biloxi Metropolitan Statistical Area is found on the southern coast of Mississippi. It stretches along the beautiful Gulf Coast, which is famous for its beaches and warm weather. The three counties that make up this area are Hancock County, Harrison County, and Stone County. Harrison County is where the main cities of Gulfport and Biloxi are located.
People and Population in the Area
The number of people living in the Gulfport-Biloxi area has changed over time. In 2000, the official count from the census showed that 246,190 people called this area home. A census is like a big count of everyone living in a country, done every ten years. Before Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the population was slowly getting bigger. More people were moving to the area for its jobs and lifestyle.
How Hurricane Katrina Impacted the Region
Hurricane Katrina was a very powerful storm that hit the Gulf Coast in 2005. It caused a lot of damage to homes, businesses, and the environment in the Gulfport-Biloxi area. Many people had to leave their homes. Because of the hurricane, the population count changed. By 2006, the estimated population was lower than it was before the storm. However, the communities in the area worked hard to rebuild and recover after this major event.
